Name:_____________________________
Close Read Practice: Sandra Cisneros-“Eleven”
Directions: Read Sandra Cisneros’ “Eleven” carefully, keeping in mind author’s craft decisions and strategies.
1. While reading, annotate the text for craft and strategies. Make sure you pay close attention to diction, style, and
syntax. These include, but are not limited to:
a. Sensory details, showing then telling, adjectives shifted, purposeful punctuation, word order, transition
words, comparison words, repetition, etc.
2. After annotating the text, fill in the chart with your findings. Make sure you pick 3 specific points that you are
able to expand upon and explain why that portion of the text is important and what you notice.
Words or phrases from the text
What is special about this text? What do you notice?
3. Short answer prompt: Answer this question on the back of your sheet. Using your annotations, explain how the
author creates mood/atmosphere through her specific language choices (the things you found in question 1).